New reports have emerged claiming that Grace Wakhungu may be freed on Friday, August 7, as her family has managed to raise Ksh800 million in just one month.
According to a report by People Daily on Monday, August 3, indicated that the powerful Awori family fund-raised and surpassed the Ksh707 million fine imposed on Ms Wakhungu on June 25.
According to a source close to the family, Ms Wakhungu’s sentencing was not taken lightly by her family both in Kenya and Uganda.
The source revealed that the family members contributed and sold their assets just to raise the money.
“In fact, we outdid ourselves by raising close to Sh800 million, being contributions from family members through the sale of assets locally and abroad, personal savings and ‘silent’ funds drives by friends,” the source told the publication.
Wakhungu had been handed a 69 years jail term after she was accused of colluding with Sirisia MP John Waluke to defraud the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Ksh297 million in 2009.
However, Waluke’s family falls far from the Ksh727 million fine imposed on him.
He was reportedly able raise only Ksh250 million despite having allies plan a fundraiser for his fine.
Waluke was sentenced to 67 years in prison and was taken to Kamiti Maximum Prison.
On the other hand, Wakhungu was sentenced to 67 years in prison and admitted to the Lang’ata Women Prison.
It was alleged that immediate family members of the powerful Wakhungu family raised Ksh197 million and that a nephew to Grace single-handedly contributed Ksh100 million.
The extended Awori family is a powerful lineage starting from Judy Wakhungu who currently works as the Kenyan Ambassador to France, former Vice President Moody Awory and the founding director of Makini School Mary Akello.
The lineage also includes former Ambassador to Japan Dennis Awori and former Ugandan MP Aggrey Awori who were said to have contributed sizeable amounts.
The family is also reported to have raised an additional Ksh236 million through a funds-drive organised by members both locally and abroad.
A book titled The Amazing Story of the Awori family: Seizing the moment that chronicled the powerful family indicated that Wakhungu’s father demanded a high standard from the children in areas that included excellent academic performance.
After her education, Wakhungu secured a position as a researcher at the Central Bank of Kenya before moving to the Office of the President where she headed staff development.